Sofia

Sofiais the biggestcity in Bulgariaand the capital ofthe country. The city is situated on thenorthern slope ofthe Vitosha Mountainsand dates back more than 7000years, which makes it oneof the oldest cities in Europe.Even todayin the city centercontinue todiscoverobjects fromthe Neolithichumanremains from the StoneandBronzeAge. The thermalsprings are the main reasonforsettlementsfromantiquity. One of the mainlandmarks is“St. Alexander Nevski” cathedral, which was builtafter the design ofRussian architectAl.Pomerantsevbetween 1904and 1912.The cathedral is a five-ship basilicainneo-byzantinestylecrownedwith a fewgoldendomes, the biggest of which is45 meterstall. In the cryptthere isa valuableexposition ofancient icons.

In Boyana,residential area of Sofiasituated at the footof Vitosha Mountains,is the famousBoyana Church, includedin the List ofWorld Heritage byUNESCO in 1979.The oldestparts of the churchdate back to theX-XI century.The most valuablefrescosmade byBoyana’s master – artist dates from 1259. They are characterized by individuality,compellingpsychological characteristicsand vitality. The tourists who are interested in Bulgarian history by all means have to visit the National museum situated nearby in the same residential area. The museum is the biggest in Bulgaria and there are the famous Thracian treasures.

The city combines the numerous monuments, churches and museums together with modern buildings and restored old ones thus Sofia becomes a truly European city with an ancient culture.